Google October 2023 Core and Spam Update Impact on SEO Community
This week saw significant developments in the online community, particularly with Google and its various services. The Google October 2023 core update finished rolling out, generating considerable buzz among users. Additionally, the spam update was fully implemented alongside the core update, leading to some confusion. As a result of these simultaneous updates, many website owners and SEO professionals were left scrambling to understand the effects on their search rankings and overall site performance. Google, however, has provided guidelines and support, emphasizing that the core update aims to improve search quality and that the spam update reinforces their commitment to fight against malicious content online.
X/Twitter’s Decision to Block Bing Search and Bingbot
In a potential blow for Bing, X/Twitter now prevents Bing Search and Bingbot from accessing its platform. In contrast, Google continues to progress, as it now offers paywalled structured data validation through its rich result test. As a result of Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) connecting to paywalled content, the company updated its guidance on blocking such access. This move by X/Twitter highlights the growing disparity between the two search engine giants, further solidifying Google’s dominance in the industry. Meanwhile, Bing is left grappling with the ramifications of this restriction, as it significantly impacts the search engine’s ability to index and display content from X/Twitter, putting it at a disadvantage in terms of user experience and search results.
Google’s New Features and Updates for Structured Data and Search Console Support
In other news, Google launched vehicle listing structured data and added Search Console support. The tech giant no longer displays event rich results and has now set its crawling mechanism to originate from the Pacific Time Zone. Additionally, Google removed the host groups section from its virtual elements gallery, discontinued the Favicon user agent, and emphasized the need for including Googlebot and Googlebot-Image for favicon indexing. Moving forward, website owners and developers can expect their vehicle listings to be better supported in search results, thanks to the enhanced structured data implementation. This recent slew of updates showcases Google’s commitment to refining its search mechanisms and user experience, while also highlighting the importance of adhering to best practices for proper indexing and visibility on the platform.
New Layout and Features on Google’s Desktop Homepage
Google’s desktop homepage now includes the Discover feed and showcases a “Shop all deals” banner, as well as a “mentioned in these stories” segment in top stories results. Google Explore appears earlier in search results and features a new product section. This new layout aims to provide users with a more seamless and personalized browsing experience, making it easier to find the latest articles and trending products. As Google continues to enhance its platform, these updates reflect the company’s commitment to ensuring users have more relevant and engaging content at their fingertips.
Bing Webmaster Tools and Google Business Profiles Introducing New Features
Conversely, Bing Webmaster Tools began sending comprehensive performance insight reports. Google Business Profiles now display disabled-owned and indigenous-owned labels, while Google Local is experimenting with card layouts for reviews, menus, and more. Users can now also set food preferences to filter local restaurants. Additionally, these innovations aim to create more personalized user experiences and promote inclusivity among businesses. The integration of these features not only enhances search functionality but also enables local establishments to better connect with their target audience and identity-conscious consumers.
Updates to Google Ads and AdSense for Improved User Experience
Adjustments have also been made to Google Ads, with a revised certification exam and an extended verification form. Google AdSense introduced a new related search for Auto ads. These new features aim to improve user experience and provide more relevant ad content to the audience. Advertisers and publishers alike can benefit from these updates, as they offer better targeting options and higher potential for returns on investment.
Exclusive Look at Google’s New York City Office Algorithm Wall
Lastly, an exclusive look at Google’s New York City office was provided online through an image of the company’s algorithm wall, portraying the complex nature of its operations. This artistic representation of Google’s technological infrastructure is not only visually striking, but also allows visitors to get a glimpse of the intricate systems that power the search giant. Additionally, the captivating design of the algorithm wall serves as a creative inspiration for the countless individuals working in the New York City office, reminding them of the innovative and groundbreaking work they are contributing to daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Google October 2023 Core and Spam Updates aim to achieve?
The core update aims to improve search quality, while the spam update reinforces Google’s commitment to fight against malicious content online.
How does X/Twitter’s decision to block Bing Search and Bingbot impact Bing?
This move significantly impacts Bing’s ability to index and display content from X/Twitter, putting it at a disadvantage in terms of user experience and search results as compared to Google.
What are the new features and updates for Google’s structured data and Search Console support?
Google launched vehicle listing structured data, added Search Console support, adjusted its crawling mechanism to originate from the Pacific Time Zone, removed the host groups section from its virtual elements gallery, and discontinued the Favicon user agent.
What changes were made to Google’s desktop homepage layout?
Google included the Discover feed, showcased a “Shop all deals” banner, introduced a “mentioned in these stories” segment in top stories results, and placed Google Explore earlier in search results with a new product section.
What are the new features in Bing Webmaster Tools and Google Business Profiles?
Bing Webmaster Tools now sends comprehensive performance insight reports. Google Business Profiles display disabled-owned and indigenous-owned labels, while Google Local is experimenting with card layouts for reviews, menus, and more. Also, users can set food preferences to filter local restaurants.
How do the updates to Google Ads and AdSense improve user experience?
Google Ads has a revised certification exam and an extended verification form, while Google AdSense introduced a new related search for Auto ads. These features aim to provide more relevant ad content and better targeting options for advertisers and publishers.
What is the Google algorithm wall in the New York City office?
The algorithm wall is an artistic representation of Google’s technological infrastructure that portrays the complex nature of its operations. It serves as a creative inspiration for the individuals working in the New York City office, reminding them of the innovative work they contribute to daily.
First Reported on: seroundtable.com
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Ivan Samkov; Pexels; Thank you!
